Caruso’s Grocery, which operates locations in North Bethesda and Washington, DC, has been named one of OpenTable’s “2025 Top 100 Restaurants” in the United States, making it the only Maryland (and DC) restaurant to appear on this year’s list.
While some national rankings are determined by food critics, OpenTable’s annual Top 100 relies on feedback from diners themselves, using insights from reviews and reservation trends to identify the most consistently praised restaurants across the country.
Caruso’s Grocery’s North Bethesda location sits at 11820 Trade Street in Pike & Rose. The restaurant debuted in late 2023 when the former Owen’s Ordinary dining room was transformed into the Italian-American concept. The bar and patio were rebranded separately as Owen’s Tavern and Beer Garden, while the dining room became Caruso’s Grocery, both operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group. At the time of the shift, Chef Matt Adler explained that Owen’s dining room had never matched the popularity of its bar and patio, making the space ideal for repurposing into a more focused, high-demand concept.
The first Caruso’s Grocery opened in May 2021 inside The Roost on Capitol Hill in DC. The restaurant describes itself as a “classic Italian-American red sauce joint,” complete with red banquettes, Sinatra on the speakers, and a menu built on beloved staples rather than modern reinterpretations. The focus is on high-quality ingredients and precise execution, offering dishes such as Chicken Parmesan, Penne alla Vodka, Sole Francaise, Mozzarella en Carozza, and Garlic Bread with Four Cheese Sauce.
